A mortuary is defined under the Public Health Regulation 2022 - NSW Legislation as a premises that are used, or intended to be used, for the preparation or storage of bodies as part of the arrangements for the burial or cremation of bodies, but does not include premises, such as a hospital, in which bodies may be temporarily stored pending transfer to a mortuary.
The functions performed by Mortuaries, including the handling of bodies, exhumations, and cremations, must adhere strictly to the pertinent sections outlined in Part 8, 'Disposal of Bodies,' of the Public Health Regulation 2022.
All mortuary operators must seek Development Consent. Development related to mortuaries must align with following Planning controls to ensure the well-being of the community and the environment:
- Canterbury-Bankstown Local Environmental Plan 2023
- Local Government Act 1993
- Public Health Act 2010 No 127 - NSW Legislation
- Public Health Regulation 2022
You should seek independent planning advice or refer to the Development Applications page on Councils website for more information.
Mortuaries must be registered with NSW Health through their website Disposal of the deceased.
All mortuaries operating within Canterbury-Bankstown must also register their details with Council. To register a new mortuary or to notify of any changes, please complete a registration form (insert link to Mortuary registration form – to be created through snap forms).
Council's Environmental Health Officers carry out inspections of registered mortuaries to ensure that the legislative requirements are being complied with. A fee is charged to the occupier for this inspection in accordance with Council's Fees and Charges.
For further information and resources please visit NSW Health website final arrangements of the deceased.
For more information, contact